This is kind of a silly topic and has been gamed out many times... but I’ll play.

Usually people are going to prefer what they prefer, regardless of reason or logic.

There’s a reason why professional competitive shooters don’t compete using an AK.

There’s a reason why most militaries, outside of communist countries don’t field AKs.

I’ve owned wonderfully built AK-103 pattern rifles from Jim Fuller, Arsenal AKs, and a very nice Century. I’ve sought training from AK “experts.”

I ultimately found that the AK was a slower, less ergonomic, and more difficult to upgrade platform. Although perhaps it’s  more robust and tolerant of abuse like we’d see in YouTube torture tests.

The answer to the question of which is better, “depends.”

If you want to shoot fast and accurate- the AR is far superior to the AK.
If you want to utilize modern optics, lights or perhaps even night vision devices in modern mounts, in a repeatable and consistent manner, the AR is the way.

If you want to LARP and pretend you’re going to carry your AK around in a post apocalyptic world, even though there is no domestic supply chain for your chosen rifle (ammo, mags, spare parts), have at it. 

My choice also.

I've long wanted to own a rifle like this.  I regret not acquiring one when I was younger.  I more likely would have gotten one then.  I'm a whole lot older now so I usually let the logic of owning such a fine piece of equipment that has so much potential getting wasted at a 100 yard range win over just getting it because I want it. 

I just admire and love garand type rifles.  Part of the reason why I got a mini-14 30 years  ago.  I had my share of fun playing with the AR platform when I served in the military.  AR's are good rifles and I really liked it but I did not love it.

I do love the 308/7.62 cartridge.  In the military I spent almost equal time training with the M-60 machine gun since it was my secondary designated weapon.  I have fond memories of live fire qualification at the ranges at Schofield.  Engaging targets from 700 yards out to 1100 yards was just fun, fun, fun. 

Sorry I digressed.     Just an old man and his memories and the what if's in his life.......

I tell my friends that if I ever had to "display" a firearm to discourage bad guys from entering my property it would be my AK47, Zastava M70 with surplus wood furniture. It has the "evil look" that would hopefully change their minds from getting closer, and if not, though archaic, it's still effective.

If I had to defend myself from intruders or zombies already on my property (handguns not part of this topic) it would be my AR15. If the target was 25+ yards, definitely AR15.

I have had no issues with reliability or parts for either platform, but I use my ARs probably fifty times more than my AKs.

AKs are soooo archaic...like, honestly, literally 1960s archaic.

Display firearm?    

50/1 would probably be about right to me too.

It's odd that digging up this old dead horse actually feels productive compared to some of the other conversations going on lately.

From a pure performance standpoint like first shot from a ready position, split times, reloads,

Why don’t we see AK pattern rifles used in competition at a high level?

You still have any of those "wonderfully built" AKs?  Should arrange for an AK range day.  I shot my AK project in one of the classes for a few courses of fire and that sucker got unreal hot.  Fun to shoot, but no real threat to replacing my ARs.

I don't think there's any doubt the AR-15 is better suited for 3-Gunning.  Lighter, easier to aim -- especially follow-up shots due to lower recoil --, lighter & smaller loaded mags that are easier to carry & handle, overall ergonomics, etc.

Having said that, it's not a given that the AK-47 isn't better suited to other applications.

In times of struggle, you pretty much take whichever you can get your hands on and have the ammo to feed.

It's odd that digging up this old dead horse actually feels productive compared to some of the other conversations going on lately.

Yes, except for you dodging my questions.

This is America and we can have both ARs and AKs.
I recognize that as I private citizen, I can own both. That’s awesome.

In which application do you think an AK is a better choice than an AR?

How about a Glock vs 1911 thread?